Home

Military Life Cycle

New to the Military

Welcome to the service. You may feel like an outsider as you begin your military journey, but Military OneSource has the information, tools and resources you’ll need to transition smoothly and quickly to military life. Soon, things will feel old hat.

Benefits
Resources
Take free courses on investing, car buying and more.
START NOW
New eNewsletter for Friends and Extended Family
SIGN UP

Understanding the Basics

U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test

Getting Started in the Military – The Essentials
A grocery store employee speaks with a group of new service members in the meat department.

Joining the Military Community – The Essentials
Basic trainees align in formation.

Military Career - The Essentials

Latest Content

Woman writes on budget sheet

Are You Financially Fit? How to Make Financial Wellness Happen

August 15, 2019 @ 12:36 PM | 5 Min Read | 38191 Views

They say money can't buy happiness, but a financially-healthy future can buy peace of mind. Plus, financial security at home allows service members to be more focused and mission-ready.
Army soldiers low crawl while negotiating an obstacle course in basic training

Army Basic Training: What to Expect

August 9, 2019 @ 11:28 AM | 5 Min Read | 99859 Views

Basic training is the first step in preparing you to be a soldier. It starts with basic combat training or Army boot camp. Then comes specialized training in your career field — or you may go to Officer Candidate School to master Army leadership skills.
Service members sit in vehicle

A Look Into Joining the Military’s Elite Forces in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force

July 5, 2019 @ 12:27 PM | 6 Min Read | 11433 Views

U.S. service members already serve their country as part of one of the finest fighting forces the world has ever seen. Some special operations units have even higher standards than the general force.
service member looks at smoke

Life After Basic Army Combat Training

July 1, 2019 @ 5:24 PM | 5 Min Read | 1841 Views

Following your Army basic combat training, you’ll take one of two paths, advanced individual training or Officer Candidate School to advance in your military career.
Basic training obstacle course.

10 Tips to Take to Basic Training

June 5, 2019 @ 1:04 PM | 3 Min Read | 39109 Views

Basic training varies by service branch, but it’ll help you to know these facts of military life before you report for duty. Own these 10 bits of advice from people who have been there.
U.S. Army Soldiers conduct their two-mile run during the Army Physical Fitness Test

Meeting Military Fitness Standards

May 13, 2019 @ 5:25 PM | 3 Min Read | 31710 Views

Physical fitness is a big part of life in the military. It’s required. Each service member is regularly tested. A Military OneSource Health and Wellness Coach can help you get or stay fit.
Service Member Doing Pushups

The New Army Combat Fitness Test

May 13, 2019 @ 4:06 PM | 3 Min Read | 16756 Views

Starting October 2020, all soldiers will be required to pass the new Army Combat Fitness Test, which will replace the Army Physical Fitness Test. You will be expected to meet ACFT requirements regardless of age or gender, as part of your military training.
A service member smiles and holds up a pink piggy bank

The Savings Deposit Program

April 24, 2019 @ 12:57 PM | 5 Min Read | 29257 Views

If a combat deployment is in your future, be sure to learn about the Savings Deposit Program, a savings account that earns you 10 percent interest. An effective way to collect some savings, the Savings Deposit Program can help you and your family achieve your financial goals.
Soldiers working out on grass.

Military Pay 101: How to Open a Bank Account and an Introduction to TSP

April 22, 2019 @ 2:14 PM | 5 Min Read | 3912 Views

When you’ve received your first Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, that means you’ve been paid for your service in the Armed Forces. We’ve got some tips on how you can make the most of your basic pay – from the most important parts of your actual pay stub, to picking the right bank account, to even getting a “raise” by increasing your Thrift Savings Plan, or TSP, contributions.
Airman working

Military Jobs: Your Future Career in the Armed Forces

April 22, 2019 @ 11:18 AM | 12 Min Read | 1744 Views

Enlisting in the military can help you achieve your career goals. In fact, there are even some jobs that you can only do as a service member, like drive a tank or fly a fighter jet. Here’s what you need to know about your future military career.
Man fills out paperwork

Department of Defense and Military Identification Cards

April 17, 2019 @ 1:28 PM | 4 Min Read | 303630 Views

One of the most valuable assets to service members is their military ID. The Department of Defense issues distinct identification cards to uniformed service members, their family members and other eligible individuals to serve as proof of the cardholder's identity and Department of Defense affiliation.
Group of Marines and Sailors with open books listen to financial seminar.

Military Pay 101: Basic Pay, Allowances and S&I Pay

April 10, 2019 @ 3:54 PM | 12 Min Read | 13541 Views

As an active-duty service member, you receive many benefits and entitlements like free access to Military OneSource services and support. One of the primary benefits to working in the military is a steady paycheck and tax-free allowances. Here’s a summary of the different military pay elements you might see on your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement.
Man in a military uniform shows a stack of twenty dollar bills.

Managing Your Money as a New Service Member

April 10, 2019 @ 12:19 PM | 4 Min Read | 23038 Views

You're learning a lot of new skills in the military, and money management should be one of them. As a service member, you may earn more, get special duty pay or have new expenses. It's your money. Make the most of it by creating a financial plan. Staying on top of your finances is important for your security clearance, your career and your future.
Military pay technician examines a financial document.

Your Leave and Earnings Statement

December 26, 2018 @ 12:24 PM | 3 Min Read | 57714 Views

Your monthly Leave and Earnings Statement, or LES, is one of the most important financial documents you have for mastering your money and achieving your financial goals. Here's how to decipher the code.
National Guardsman salutes the flag.

Military Insignia: What Are Those Stripes and Bars?

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 40881 Views

The stripes and bars on a military uniform signify rank. If you’re new to the military, you know enough to understand that rank matters.
Close up of female accountant or banker

Thrift Savings Plan Options: Making Your Retirement Dollars Work for You

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 6 Min Read | 30768 Views

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. The best way to get started is the Thrift Savings Plan, a retirement savings plan for federal employees and members of the uniformed services that gives you two ways to sock away some cash.
A grocery store employee speaks with a group of new service members in the meat department.

Support and Resources Through the Commissary and Exchange

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 3 Min Read | 21062 Views

You may already know that shopping for groceries at the commissary or for electronics at the exchange can amount to significant savings. But you may not know that these stores also offer additional perks like contest prizes, scholarships and family employment opportunities, all while supporting your war-fighter overseas. Check out our listings below for benefits you may not have heard about.
Basic trainees align in formation.

Air Force Basic Training: What to Expect

December 12, 2018 @ 2:36 PM | 1 Min Read | 42840 Views

When joining the Air Force you can choose one of two paths, either enlist or get a commission as an officer. If you enlist, your first stop will be Air Force Basic Training, eight-and-a-half weeks of physical preparation to serve, before you move onto more technical training. If you take the officer path, you’ll go to Officer Training School, the U.S. Air Force Academy or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Navy Basic Crewman Training candidate takes a breath during a conditioning swim

Navy Boot Camp and Officer Candidate School: What to Expect

August 29, 2018 @ 12:55 PM | 2 Min Read | 57846 Views

Navy Boot Camp is the first step in turning you into a sailor with all the skills to perform in the fleet. If you're on the Navy officer path, you'll attend a 12-week course to prepare for an officer's responsibilities. Know what to expect and arrive ready for Navy training.
Four new service members do push-ups in front of a line of their peers.

What to Pack for Basic Training

August 29, 2018 @ 12:48 PM | 4 Min Read | 122568 Views

You'll need to take only a few basic things when you head off to basic training - everything else will be provided for you. Your recruiter will give you a list of what you must take and what you definitely shouldn't pack.
American Red Cross branded First-Aid materials are spread across a table.

American Red Cross Support for Military Families

August 29, 2018 @ 12:46 PM | 3 Min Read | 28797 Views

The American Red Cross offers important support to service members, veterans and their families. You'll find the Red Cross in hometowns across America, on military installations around the world and deployed with the armed forces to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Djibouti.
Drill Instructor shouts at recruits

Marine Corps Boot Camp and Officer Candidates School: What to Expect

March 15, 2018 @ 10:02 AM | 5 Min Read | 32389 Views

Marine Corps Basic Recruit Training is the first step in preparing you mentally and physically to serve. The second step is the School of Infantry, where you'll develop core skills for service.
Search All